Lawmakers in New York State earlier this year approved as part of the 2026 budget not only $400 inflation refund checks but also a $1,800 BABY Benefit.
New Yorkers can receive $1,800 check from the state: here’s who qualifies and how to claim
New York lawmakers passed a number of measures as part of the state’s 2026 budget to help households struggling with rising costs. One of those were inflation refund checks, which the state began sending out this month, that will give eligible residents up to $400.
Certain households that welcome a new member this year will also get some financial help covering the costs of their first year in an effort to enhance maternal and infant health.
New York’s $1,800 payout to new mothers
Lawmakers in Albany allocated $8.5 million to the New York State Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY) Benefit program. The BABY Benefit will provide a one-time payment of $1,800 to new parents who are on public assistance.
The no-strings-attached payment does not require parents to fill out any paperwork or jump through any bureaucratic hoops. The financial boost is intended to “alleviate birth-related expenses and ease the financial burden associated with caring for a new baby.”
New York’s other measures to support families
The measure isn’t the only family-friendly measure in the 2026 budget. The state set aside $9 million to provide free diapers, postpartum care kits, and self-care items to families in need in partnership with the non-profit Baby2Baby.
New York is also expanding the state’s Child Tax Credit to $1,000 per child under 4 and $500 for children ages of 4 through 16.
$2.2 billion was approved to expand childcare access in the state as well as subsidies for New York City families. As well, $110 million in grants was earmarked to build and renovate childcare centers.
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